The generosity of North Bay citizens shone brightly today as companies and individuals stepped forward to replace a window at The Leather Trend, broken by a 74 year old woman trying to save a cat stuck in a tin can.
See: Cat Lady: 'I love animals. I'd do it again'
Carol Keefer has no money and lives at a Senior Citizens home, but she was facing a large bill to repair the window she admits to breaking.
That burden is now lifted from her shoulders.
Today the owners of Kinglass at 755 Wallace Road stepped up and offered to repair the damage for just one dollar.
They gave Carol a receipt, which she promptly took over to the police station to show the investigating officer that her promise to repair the damage was going to be kept.
At almost the same time, and not knowing of the Kinglass offer, the owners of Castle Glass and Mirror on Seymour St., Pierre and Lisa Vaillancourt were meeting with staff to decide how they could help.
They contacted BayToday to offer to repair the damage free, saying the situation didn't feel right and, "We talked about it and said we're going to help her out. It was our good deed for the day."
As well, BayToday reader Josh Jarvis also offered to cover all the costs.
Numerous other readers offered to contribute to the cause through the BayToday comments section.
A note is now taped to the front door of the store, telling owner Rob Szalas that Kinglass will cover all costs of repair.
Meanwhile, Carol is surprised, amazed, and thrilled by the outpouring of community support.
"It's been a crazy day. Kinglass came forward so it's all paid for. The support makes me feel good that there are people who care."
She remains feisty.
"Some of the bad comments bothered me a lot. I felt 'what the hell, would you stand there and let a cat die because he has a can on his head.'"
"But I go by every day and if I get wind of those cats being starved again all hell will break loose again!"
